Combined water and chemical sprinkling system.



PATENTED MAR. 5, 1907.

S. G. RADPORD.

COMBINED WATER AND CHEMICAL SPRINKLING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED JULYZQ, 1906.

THE NORRIS PETERs co., wasumanw.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

PATENTED MAR. 5, 1907.

S. 0. RADFORD. COMBINED WATER AND CHEMICAL SPRINKLING SYSTEM APPLICATION FILED JULY23. 1906.

fig Q 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

7M: mmms mrrsns ca, WASHINGTON n. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

COMBINED WATER AND CHEMICAL SPRINKLING SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented March 5, 1907.

Application filed July 23, 1906. Serial No. 327,303.

To all whmn it may concern:

Be it known that I, STEPHEN C. Ranronn, residing in Oshkosh, in the county of Winnebago and State of Wisconsin, have invented new and useful Improvements in a Combined Water and Chemical sprinkling System, of which the following is a description, reference being had to the accompanying drawngpl, which are a part of this specification.

y invention has relation to a combined Water and chemical sprinkling system.

In the ordinary form of sprinkler system water alone is used as the sprinkling medium, and in. some forms of these systems the piping running through a building is provided with a series of small discharge openings or apertures which are normally closed by fusible plugs, and the pipes are filled with air which acts to hold back the water, and hence prevent freezing in cold weather. These fusible plugs when a fire occurs in a building will melt by reason of the heat generated by the fire, and hence the discharge-apertures are opened and numerous vents thereby provided for the escape of the air, the water being then free to flow into the system of piping and to escape through the small openings or apertures thereof by reason of the air-pressure being thus relieved. In otherforms of water-sprinkling systems the openings or apertures in thepipes are not closed by fusible plugs, and the water is held back by a thermostatically-operated valve, which wi ll open under the influence of heat generated by a fire, and thus permit the waterto flow into the system of pipes and discharge through the small discharge openin s or apertures thereof.

t is the primary object of my invention to provide a sprinkler system operating along either of the above-indicated lines,

but which at the same time is of such construction as to combine with the watersprinklin feature of the old systems a chemical spri (ling, and also'so constructed that the water and chemicals may be sprinkled "simultaneously orindependently of each other. I

With the above "primary object and other incidental objects in view the invention consists of the devices and parts or the equivalents thereof, as hereinafter more fully set forth.

0 In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 s an elevation of the complete systemg parts in section and parts broken away. Fig. 2

is a view at right angles to Fig. 1 of the chem icaltank, the said tank beingin section; and Fig. 3 is a plan view of the tilting mechamsm.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral 4 indicates amain water-p pe leading from any suitable source of water-supply and extended upwardly and having connected to its upper end by means of a coupling 5 a pipe 6, from which the water is sprinkled or dis charged, the said pipe being provided with a series of discharge openings or a ertures, which may or may not be normal y closed by fusible plugs, de ending upon the para operated valve 7, whereby the supply of water from the main supply into said pipe 4 may be out off at any time. I

The numeral 8 indicates a chemical-tank which has leading from its bottom a suitable valve-controlled drain-pipe 9, and the top of this tank is provided w ith a covered manhole 10, whereby admission to the tank for the purpose of cleaning may be readily gained at any time. Pipe 4 has extending therefrom a branch pi e 11 which leads into the lower portion 0 tank -8. This pipe 11 is rovided with a hand-operated valve 12 an with a check-valve 13.

Secured to the under side of the top of the vantageously made of upper and lower sections with the arms of the upper section provided with a series of apertures 15 to receive bolts 16, passed through the arms of the lower section to permit the bracket .to be originally set so as to extend downwardly into the tank the proper distance. The arms of the bracket are provided with inward bends 17 17 and are continued downwardly from these inward bends to form extensions 18 18, which extensions are provided with diagonally-extending terminals, which terminals are formed with a horizontal cu p-shaped support 19 for holding a fragile receptacle 20, said receptacle containing a suitable liquid chemical, such as sulfuric acid, or any other desirable liquid chemical. Between the arms of the bracket and just above the inward bends 17 is a rece tacle 21, adapted to contain a solid chemica such as sodium carbonate in a powdered form, or any other 1 desirable solid chemical. The under side of the receptacle 21, near one end, is provided with a lug 22, which lies between two lugs ticular system emp oyed, as hereinbefor referred to. Pipe 4 is provided with ahand- 23 23, extending upwardly from the inward bends 17, a pivot-pin 24 passing through the Several lugs and adapting the receptacle to turn thereon. Depending from the under side of the receptacle, at the front and rear ends thereof, are legs or standards 25 25,

"which at their lower ends are secured to a longitudinal rail 26.

tiltable with the receptacle 21 on the pivotpin 24. Extending rrom one end of the runway is an arm 30, which at its outer end carries an adjustable contact 31, preferably in the form of a screw passing through a threaded opening in the end of arm 30. jecting from the opposite end of the runway is another arm 32, which carries an adjustable contact 33, also preferably in the form of a screw passing through a threaded opening in said arm 32.

Pivoted on a stud 34, projecting laterally from one of the depending extensions 18 or the bracket, is a float-ball arm 35, said arm carrying at its outer end a float-ball 36.

Leading rom the lower portion of the tank 8.

an opening in which is fitted a tube 48, having its upper end in the form of a valve-seat 49 and having connected to its outer lower end a pipe 50, which leads to and connects with an opening in one side of the chemical- Pipe 50 is provided with a handoperated valve 51 and with a check-valve 52. The discharge-opening in the bottom of the auxiliary tank is controlled by means of a valve 53, carried at the lower portion of a f float-ball 54 and adapted to seat itself on the chemical-tank and extending upwardly is a pipe 37, which at its upper end is coupled to a short branch pipe 38, which latter extends and is coupled to the coupling 5. short branch pipe is a check-valve 39. Pipe valve-seat 49 when the float-ball is not held up by the buoyancy of the liquid contents of the tank. Valve 53 is provided with a depending guide-stem 55, which passes through and is guided in an opening in a guide 56.

It will be understood that water in the chemical-tank is prevented from rising in the tank, and therefore maintains a certain level in the tank by reason of the resistance offered by the column of air or other gas above the surface of the. water and in the system of piping 6. In the case of the auxiliary tank 43 the water is prevented from rising in this tank and is consequently maintained at a certain level by reason of the pressure of the air or gas above the. colurnn of water, said air or gas being admitted through the pipe 47.

If my invention is used in connection with a system wherein fusible plugs are employed in the piping 6, the air or gas is of course ,free to enter the said piping, and this In this i 37 has also extending therefrom and through f the side of the chemical-tank and into said tank for a slight distance a short pipe 40, the inner end thereof being beveled to form a valveseat. Pivoted to the upper edge of the inner end of this short pipe is a flapvalve 41, having an extension or wing 42 secured thereto and extending inwardly therefrom. This wing is in position to be contacted with by the adjustable contact 33, which contact when the runway is in its normal horizontal position, as shown in Fig. 1, is in engagement with the wing of the flapvalve and holds said valve in an open position.

The numeral 43 indicates an auxiliary tank haying a valve-controlled water-inlet pipe 44 extending from a suitable source of srpply leading through the side thereof. From the bottom of this tank extends a valve-controlled drain-tube 45, and the top of the tank is provided with a covered manhole 46, 1

whereby convenient access to the interior of the tank can be obtained for cleaning purair acts to hold ltack or prevent the sprinkling agent from entering the said piping and to lo thereby subject to freezing in cold weather. Instead of having the piping 6 E filled with air for the purpose of holding back 5 the water and preventing freezing under the conditions stated I may employ a valve-controlled pipe 57, which extends from any suitable source of gas-supply and conducts said gas into the piping 6. The gas so admitted to the piping 6 acts normally to hold back the water, but when a fire occurs will escape through the discharge-openings of the piping 6 and act as a medium for assisting in extinguishing the fire.

In cases where my invention is employed in connection with a thermostatically-operated valve in the piping 6 this valve will of course prevent the water from entering said piping. under normal conditions, and thereby prevent freezing without the necessity of the piping 6l1eing filled with air, as in the other case.

\Vhen a fire occurs and in case the fusible plugs are used as fillers for the dischargeopenings, these plugs when a certain degree of heat is generated from a fire will melt, and the slight quantity of air in the piping 6 will first escape, and with the escape of this air the water in the pipe 37 will rise in said pipe, raising check-valve 39 and. passing into p1p ing 6 and out of the discharge-openings 0f ICO .ceptacle 20 in the cup 19.

said piping, or in case the piping 6 is provided i in the extinguishment of fire. After the with the thermostatically-operated valve the heat from the fire will open this valve and allow the water to take the same course. The moment the fusible plugs are melted or the thermostaticallyerated valve opened airpressure is relieved in the tank 8, and hence water from the main under pressure will pass through-pipe 11 and enter said tank 8, and as this water rises it will lift the float-ball 36, and when said ball is elevated a certain dis tance it strikes the contact 31, and thereby tilts the runway sufficiently to cause the ball 29 to roll down said runway, and there by complete the tilting of the runway, together with the receptacle 21, and permitting the (lischarge of the solid chemicals from the receptacle. The tilting oi the runway will also have the e'fl ect of removing contact 33 from the wing 42 of valve 41, and hence said valve will close and prevent further escape of air.' The tilting of the runway further has the effect of bringing the ball 22) into forcible engagement with and the consequent breaking of the fragile receptacle 20, allowing the liquid chemicals contained in said receptacle to escape. The chemicals escaping from the receptacles 20 and 21 causes the formation of a gas, which fills the space above the water and produces a ressure greater than the pressure exerted 1y the head of water from the main. This pressure causes the water in the tank which is impregnated with the:

chemicals to flow upwardlythrough the pipe 37, lifting valve 39 and passing into piping 6 and escaping through the discharge-open ings of said piping. It is obvious that the pressure above the surface of the liquid cannot cause the said liquid to escape through pipe 11, as the check-valve 1,3 prevents this, and consequently the only escape for the liquid is through the pipe 37, as just explained. .VVhen the level of the liquid in the tank 8 is lowered to such an extent as to remove the float-ball 36 from the contact 31, the runway and the receptacle 21, secured thereto, are tilted back by hand to normal horizontal position, the ball 29 then traveling back to its initial osition. I provide a stop 58, against which the lower rails 28 strike, so as to stop the movement of the runway when it reaches the horizontal position. Of course after a fire and tefore the device can again li e used it is necessary to recharge the receptacle 21 and to place a newly-filled fragile re- On this return movement of the runway the contact 33 is brought into engagement with the wing 42 and the flap-valve 41 again opened. The forcing of the chemicallydmpregnated water up the pipe 37 arid out through the dischargeopenings of the piping 6 necessarily causes a i l l l l tank 8 has completed its work 1n discharging the chemically-impregnated liquid and the receptacles 20 and 21 are being recharged the chemical-tank can be cut out of the system by closing the hand-operated valve 12, and the water-sprinkling system through the pipe 4 alone utilized. It is also very evident that whenever desired the water-sprinkling system can be cut out by closing the handoperated valve 7 and only the chemicalsprinkling system employed.

Insurance companies require in order to make a standard sprinkling system at least two sources of water-supplyviz., a main supply and an auxiliary supply-so that if for any reason the supply from the main fails to operate the auxiliary supply can then be depended upon. In my invention one auxiliary supply is obtained through the auxiliary tank 43, and the water in this tank when the piping 6 by reason of the heat is free to permit of discharge through the discharge openings or apertures of said piping, and the air-pressure in the piping thus relieved is forced by the pressure of air thereabove down pipe 50, raising check-valve 52 and entering tank 8 and acting in exactly the same manner as the Water which enters said tank through the pipe 11. In fact, if desired, water may enter tank 8 simultaneously through pipes 11 and 50. When the level of the water in tank 43 falls to a certain extent, the float-ball 54 lowers and causes valve 53 to close the discharge-opening in said tank, and thus prevent the escape of the column of air above the water through the pipe 50 and into the system and which escape, it is obvious, during a conflagration would have a tendency to increase combustion. However, if it is contemplated that gas be discharged into the upper portion of tank 43 through the pipe 47 instead of air, in this case the float-ball 54 and valve 53 would not be necessary, inasmuch as the escape of gas through the pipe 50 and into the system during a conflagration would not be at all undesirable; but, in fact, the gas would be of such nature as to assist in putting outthe fire, the gas being of such nature that it will not burn or support combustion-such, for instance, as carbon dioxid.

While I have described certain details of construction, yet I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself specifically thereto, as variations and modifications may be resorted to for accomplishing the functions of my invention without departing from the spirit and scope 01 the invention. For instance, the particular form of tilting mechanism for discharging the solid chemicals and the liquid chemicals is not absolutely necesdischarge of the chemical liquid in addition" sary, as any desired form of mechanism to the .dlscharge of water into the burning which will discharge said chemicals on the buildmg, and thus very materially assisting rising of the water in the tank 8 or when the the gas from the tank 8 when the chemicaloutlet-pipe and through the side of the tank, 80

sprinkler-heads are open are within the 2. In a sprinkler system, the combination spirit and scope of my invention. In fact, in of a chemical-tank having a column of water some instances the sodium carbonate or therein and an air-filled space above the colsome equivalent solid chemical maybeplaced umn of water, an inlet-pipe leading into the in solu.ion in the water in the chemical-tank, tank for conducting water into said tank, and in such case the tilting ofv a receptacle which water is normally maintained at a cer- 5* containing such solid chemicals would not be tain level by the excess pressure above the necessary and only the discharging of the column of water, an outlet-pipe leading from liquid chemical provided for, or, again, the the tank, a system of piping with which the re arrangement might be such that only a outlet-pipe connects, heat-operated means dumping of the receptacle 21 containing the for causing the piping to open up and theresolid chemical is provided for, the only esby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinsential feature being that there should be kle. and discharge from the piping, when a means provided for preventing the escape of iire occurs, a branch pipe leading from the sprinkling liquid is formed in order to proa pivoted valve at the inner 0 en end of the vide the pressure necessary to force said branch pipe, a tiltably-carriecl contact norchemical liquid out of the tank 8 and up the inally engaging the valve in a manner to pipe 37. hold said valve open, means, when a fire oo- 20 When desired, the valve 41 may be discurs, for chemically charging the water in pensed with, and the gas generated by the the tank, and a float-ball adapted, when the discharge of the chemicals will then pass system of piping is opened up by the heat through pipe 40 into the system and be disgenerated from a fire and the air-pressure on charged instead of the water. the water is thereby relieved, to be raised by 25 For safety in operation it is preferred to the then inflowing water, and when so raised 9 provide the tank 8 with a water-gage 59, to operate upon the tiltable contact and showing the level of water therein, a presthereby remove said contact from engagesure-gage 60, and a safety-valve 61, by l ment with the valve and permit a closing of means of which the tank may be vented in said valve.

0 event of the discharge of chemicals into the 3. In a sprinkler system, the combination water at a time when the sprinkler-heads are l of a chemical-tank having a column of Water closed. For convenience the auxiliary tank therein and an air-filled space above the col also is provided with a pressure-gage 62 and umn of water, an inlet-pipe leading into the a water-gage 633. tank for conducting the water into said tank,

3 5 Wherever the term air is employed which water is normally maintained at a cerroo herein referring to the medium normally tain level by the excess pressure above the contained in the system, it is to be under column of water, an outlet-pipe leading from stood that a liquid or gas which will not supthe tank, a system of piping with which the port combustion may be substituted. outlct-pipe connects,heatoperated means for 40 WVhat I claim as my invention is causing the piping to open up and thereby 1. In a sprinkler system, the combination permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle of a chemical-tank having a column of water and discharge from said piping, when a fire therein and an air-filled space above the coloccurs, a branch pipe leading from the outumn of water, an inlet-pipe leading into the let-pipe and through the side of the tank, a 5 tank for conducting the water into said tank, pivoted valve at the inner open end of the I10 which water is normally maintained at a cerbranch pipe, a tiltably-carried and adjusttain level by the excess pressure above the able contact normally engaging the valve in column of water, an outlet-pipelcading from a manner to hold said valve open, means, said tank, a system of piping with which the when a fire occurs, for chemically charging 5o outletpipe connects, heat-operated means the water in the tank, and a float-ball adapt- I 5 5 for causing the extinguishing agent to sprined, when the system of piping is opened up kle and discharge from the piping, when a by the heat generated from a iire and the airiire occurs, a branch pipe leading from the 1 pressure on the water is thereby relieved, to outlet-pipe and through the side of the tank, be raised by the then inflowing water, and 5 5 a valve at the inner open end of the branch when so raised to operate upon the contact pipe, means for normallyholding said valve atand thereby remove said contact from enan 0 en position, means, when a fire occurs, I gagement with the valve and permit a clos- I l I I l l l for c iemically chargii'ig the water in the tank, ing of said valve. l and means, when the water is so charged, for 4. In a sprinkler system, the combination l 60 automatically closing the valve and thereby of a chemical-tank, having a column of water I 5 i causing the pressure of the generated gas to i 3 force the chemically-charged water from the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for tank and through the outlet-pipe thereof and conducting the water into said tank, which into the system of piping and out of the dis I water is normally maintained at a certaln 65 charge-openings of said piping. 1 level by the excessive pressure above the 001- 3 therein and an air-filled space above the outlet-pipe connects, heat-operated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit-the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge from the piping, a branch pipe leading from the outlet-pipe and extending through the side ofthe tank, a valve at the inner open end of the branch pipe, means for normally holding this valve at an open position, a tiltable runway in the tank having a weighted ball. therein adapted to roll from one end of the runway to the opposite end thereof, when said runway is tilted, a floatball adapted, when the system of piping is opened up by the heat generated from a fire and air-pressure on the water is thereby rclieved, to be raised by the then inflowing water, and when so raised to act upon and tilt one end of the runway so as to cause the ball to roll toward the opposite end thereof and thereby complete said tilting, a fragile chemical-receptacle supported in the tank and adapted to be struck and broken, when the runway is so tilted, and thereby charge the water with the chemical, and means, when the water is so charged, for automatically closing the valve and thereby causing the pressure of the generated gas to force the water from the tank.

5. In a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an air-filled space above the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which water is normally maintained at a certain level by the excess pressure above the column of water, an outlet-pipe leading from the tank, a system of piping with which the outlet-pipe connects, heatopcrated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle 5 and discharge from the piping, a branch pipe leadmg from the outlet-pipe and extending through the side of the tank, a valve at the inner open end of the branch pipe, means for normally holding said valve at an open position, a tiltable runway in the tank and having a weighted ball therein adapted to roll from one end of the runway -to the other, when said runway is tilted, an arm extending from the runway and carrying a contact, a float-ball adapted, when the system of pipingis opened up by the heat generated from a fire and airpressure on the water is thereby relieved, to be raised by the then inflowing water, and when so raised to act upon the contact-arm and tilt oneend of the runway so as to cause the ball to roll toward the opposite end thereof and thereby complete'said tilting, a fragile chemical-receptaclesupported in the tank and adapted to be struck and broken when the runway is so tilted, and thereby charge the water with the chemical, and means, when the water is so charged, for automaticumn of water, an outlet-pipe leading from X the tank, a system of piping with which the ally closing the valve and thereby causing the pressure of the generated gas to force the chemically-impregnated water from the tank.

6. ln a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an air-filled space above the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which water'is normally maintained at a certain level by the excess pressure above the column of water, an outlet-pipe leading from the tank, a system of piping with which the outlet-pipe connects, heat-operated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge from the piping, a branch pipe leading from the outlet-pipe and extending through the side of the tank, a valve at the inner open end of the branch pipe, means for normally holding said valve at an open position, a tiltable runway in the tank having a weighted ball therein adapted to roll from one end of the runway to the other, when said runway is tilted, an arm extending IIOIII the runway and carrying an adjustable contact, a float-ball adapted, when the system of piping is opened up by the heat generated from a fire and air-pressure on the water is thereby relieved, to be raised by the then inflowing water, and when so raised to act uponthe contact-arm and tilt one end of the runway so as to cause the ball to roll toward the opposite end thereof and thereby complete said tilting, a fragile chemical-receptacle supported in the tank and adapted to be struck and broken when the runway is so tilted and thereby charge the water with the chemical, and means, when the water is so charged, for automatically closing the valve and thereby causing the pressure of the generated gas to force the chemically-impregnated water from the tank.

7. in a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an air-filled space above the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which water is normally maintained at a certain level by the excess pressure above the column of water, an outlet-pipe leading from the lower portion of the tank, a system of piping with which the outlet-pipe connects, heatoperated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge from the piping, a branch pipe leading from the outlet pipe and extending through the side of the tank, a valve at the inner open end of the branch pipe, means for normally holding said valve at an open position, a tiltable runway in the tank having a weighted ball therein adapted to roll from one end of the runway to the opposite end thereof, when said runway is tilted, a chemical-receptacle carried by and tiltable with the runway, a float-ball O A TeMam adapted, when the system of piping is opened up by the heat generated from a fire and airpressure on the water thereby relieved, to be raised by the then inflowing water, and when so raised to act upon and tilt one end of the runway so as to cause the ball to roll toward the opposite end thereof and thereby complete said tilting and cause the dumping of the chemical contents of the receptacle into the Water, and means, when the water is so charged with the chemical, for automatically closingthe valve and thereby causing the pressure of the generated gas to force the chemically-charged water from the tank and through the system of piping and out of the discharge-openings of said piping.

8. In a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an air-filled space above the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which water is normally maintained at a certain level by the excess pressure above the column of water, an outlet-pipe leading from the tank, a system of piping with which the outlet-pipe connects, heat-operated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge from the piping, a branch pipe leading from the outlet-pipe and extending through the side of the tank, a valve at the inner open end of the branch pipe, means for normally holding said valve at an open position, a tiltable runway in the tank having a weighted ball therein adapted to roll from one end of the runway to the opposite end thereof, when said runway is tilted, a chemical-receptacle carried by and tiltable with the runway, a i'loateball adapted, when the system of piping is opened by the heat generated from a fire and air-pressure on the water thereby relieved, to be raised by the then inflowing, water, and when so raised to act upon and tilt one end of the runway so as'to cause the ball to roll toward the opposite end thereof and thereby complete said tilting and dump the chemical contents of the receptacle, a fragile receptacle for chemicals supported in the tank, and adapted to be struck and broken when the runway is so tilted, and thereby charge the water with the chemical contents thereof, and means, when the water is so charged with the chemicals, for automatically closing the valve and thereby cause the pressure of the generated gas to force the chemically-impregnated water from the tank and through the system of piping and out of the discharge-openings of said piping.

9. In a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an air-lilled space above the wa ter, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which water is normally maintained at a certain level by the excess pressure above the column the side of the tank, a valve at the inner open end of said branch pipe, means for normally holding said valve at an open position, a tiltable chemicai-agent-carrying frame, means, when a fire occurs and the system of piping is opened up by the generated heat, for automatically tilting the frame and dumping the chemicals into the water, and means, when the water is thus chemically charged for automatically closing the valve and thereby causing the pressure of the generated gas to force the water from the tank and through the outlet-pipe and into the system of piping and out of the discharge-openings of said piping.

10. In a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an air-filled space above the Water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank which water is normally maintained at a certain level by the excess pressure thereabove, an outlet-pipe leading from the tank, a system of piping with which the outlet-pipe connects, heat-operated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge l'rom the piping, a branch pipe leading from the outlet-pipe and extending through the side of the tank, a valve at the inner open end of said branch pipe, means for normally holding the "alvc at an open position, a tiltable chomical-agentcarrying frame, a float-ball adapted, when the system is opened up by the heat generated from a lire and air-pressure on the water thereby relieved, to be raised by the then inflowing water, and when so raised to act on the tiltable frame and dump the chemicals into thewater, and means, when the water is so charged with chemicals, for automatically closing the valve and thereby causing the pressure on the generated gas to force the chemically-charged water from the tank and through the outlet-pipe into the system of piping, and out of the dischargeopenings of said piping.

11. in a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an air-filled space above the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which water is normally maintained at a certain level by the excess pressure thereabove, an outlet-pipe leading from the tank, a system of piping with which the outlet pipe connects, heat-operated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge from the piping, a branch pipe leading from he outlet and extending throughthe side of the tank, a valvepivoted at the inner open end of said branch pipe, a tiltable chemicalagent-carrying frame, said frame having a contact-arm normally engaging the valve and holding said valve at an open position, and means, When a-fire occurs and the system of piping is opened up by the generated heat, for automatically tilting the frame and dumping the chemical into the water, the said tilting of the frame also withdrawing the contact-arm from engagement with the valve and permitting the closing of said valve, and thereby causing the pressure of the generated gas to force the chemically-charged water from the tank and through the outlet-pipe thereof and out of the discharge-openings of the system of piping.

12. In a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an air-filled space above the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the'water into said tank, which water is normally maintained at a certain level by excess pressure thereabove, an out let-pipe leading from the tank, a system of piping with which the outlctpipe connects, heat-operated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge from the piping, a branch pipe leading from the outlet-pipe and extending through the side of the tank, a valve pivoted at the inner open end of said branch pipe, a tiltable chemical-agentwarrying frame, said frame having a contact-arm engaging the valve and normally holding said valve in an open position, and a float-ball adapted, when the system of piping is opened up by the heat generated from a fire and air-pressure on the water thereby relieved, to be raised by the then. inflowing water, and when so arranged to act upon and tilt one end of the tiltable frame and thereby discharge the chemicals carried by the frame, and at the same time withdraw the contact-arm from engagement with the valve and allow said valve to automatically close, and thereby cause the pressure of the generated gas to force the chemical ly-charged water from the tank and through the outletpipe thereof, and through the system of piping and out of the discharge-openings of said piping.

13. In a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemicaltank having a column of water therein and an airfilled space above the wa ter, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which water is normally maintained at acertain level by the excess pressure thereabove, an outlet-pipe leading from the tank, a system of piping with which the outlet-pipe con nects, heat-operated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge from the piping, a branch pipe leading from the outlet-pipe and extending through the side of the tank, a valve at the inner open end of said branch pipe, means for normally holding the valve at an open position, means, when a fire occurs, for chemically charging the water in the tank, means, when the water is so charged, for automatically closing the valve and thereby causing the pressure of the generated gas to force the chemically-charged water from the tank and through the outletpipe thereof and into the system 01' piping and out of the discharge-openings of said piping, anauxiliary tank, means for admitting a column of water therein, and for admitting a pressure agent above the column of water, and a pipe connecting the auxiliary tank with the chemical-tank.

14. In a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an air-filled space above the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which water is normally maintained at a certain level by the excess pressure thereabove, an outlet-pipe leading from thetank, a system of piping with which the outlet-pipe connects, heat-operated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge from the piping, a branch pipe leading from the outlet-pipe and extending through the side of the tank, a valve at the inner open end of said branch pipe, means for normally holding the valve at an open position, means, when a fire occurs, for chemically charging the water in the tank, means, when the water is so charged, for automatically closing the valve and thereby causing the pressure of the generated gas to force the water from the tank and through the outlet-pipe thereof and into the system of piping and out of the discharge-openings of said piping, an auxiliary tank having a discharge-opening in its lower portion, means for admitting a column of water into the auxiliary tank, and for admitting a pressure agent above the column of water in said tank, a float-ball within the auxiliary tank and carrying a valve adapted to close the discharge-opening, when the water in the auxiliary tank lowers, and a pipe connecting the auxiliary tank with the chemical-tank. I

15. In a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an air-filled space above the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which water is normally maintained at a certain level by the excess pressure thereabove, .an outlet-pipe leading from the tank, a system of piping with which the outlet-pipe connects, heat-operated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge ta "M i from the piping, a branch pipe leading from the outlet-pipe and extending through the side of the tank, a Valve at the inner open end of said branch pipe, means for normally holding the valve at an open position, means, when a fire occurs, for chemically charging the water in the tank, means, when the water is so charged, for automatically closing the valve and thereb causing the pressure of the generated gas to fibrce the chemically charged water from the tank and through the outletpipe thereof and into the system of piping and out of the clischarge-ozenings of said piping, an auxiliary tank, means for admitting a column of water in said tank and a pressure agent above the column of water, and a valve-controlled pipe connecting the auxiliary tank with the chemical-tank.

16. In a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an airfilled space above the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which water is normally maintained at a certain level by the excess pressure thereabove, an outlet-pipe leading from the tank, a system of piping with which the outlet-pipe connects, heat-operated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge from the piping, a branch pipe leading from the outlet-pipe and extending through the side of the tank, a valve at the inner end of said branch pipe, means for normally holding the valve at an open position, means, when a fire occurs, for chemically charging the water in the tank, means, when the water is so charged, for automatically closing the valve and thereby causing the pressure of the generated gas to force the chemically-charged water from the tank and through the outletpipe thereof and into the system of piping and out of the discharge-openings of the piping, a water-pipe leading from a source of supply and with which the water-inlet pipe of the chemical-tank is connected, said pipe leading from the source of supply extending to and connecting with the system of piping.

17. In a spxinkler system, the combinationof a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an air-filled snace above the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which water is normally maintained at a certain level by'the excess pressure thereabove, an outlet-pipe leading from the tank, a system of piping with which the outlet-pi 1e ccnnects, heat-operated means for causing the pi ping to open up and thereby permit the ex tinguishing agent to sppinkle and discharge from the piping, a bi anch pipe leading from the outlet-pipe and extending through the side of the tank, a valve at the inner end of said bi anch pipe, means for no; In ally holding the valve at an open position, means, when a i l g I l l I l l I I l l l I l i l I l I l fire occurs, for chemically charging the water in the tank, means, when the water is so charged, for automatically closing the valve and thereby causing the pressure of the generated gas to force the chemically-charged water from the tank and through the outletpi'pe thereof and into the system of piping and out of the discharge-openings of the piping, a water-pipe leading from a source of supply and with which the water-inlet pipe of the chemical-tank is connected, said pipe leading from the source of supply extending to and connecting with the system of piping, a valve in said pipe leading from the source of watersupply, and a valve in the water-pipe leading to the chemical-tank, said valves adapting the two systems to be used simultaneously, or independently of each other.

18. In a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an air-filled space above the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the lower portion of the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which water is normally maintained at a certain level by the excess pres sure above the column of water, an outletpipe leading from the tank, a system of piping with which the outlet-pipe connects, heatoperated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge from the piping, a branch pipe leading from the outletpipe and extending through the side of the tank, a valve at the inner open end of said branch pipe, means for normally holding the valve at an open position, a tiltable chemical agent-carrying frame, means, when a fire occurs, and the system of piping is opened up by the generated heat, for automatically tilting the frame and dumping the chemicals into the water, means, when the water is so charged, for automatically closingthe valve and thereby causing the pressure of the generated gas to force the water from the tank and through the outlet-pipe and into the system of piping, and out of the dischargeopen ings of said pi ing, a main water-pipe leading from a source of supply, and with which main pipe the inlet-pipe ol' the chemical-tank is connected, said main pipe extending to and connecting with the system of piping.

19. In a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemicahtank haw ing a column of water therein and an air-filled S7306 above the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which water is normally maintained at a certain level by the excess pressure thereabove, an outlet-pipe leading from the tank, a system of i ing with which the outlet-pipe connects, heat-ope1ated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge fi cm the pix ing, a branch pipe leadingfrom the outlet-pipe and extending through the side of the tank, a valve at the inner open end of said branch pipe, means i or norm ally holding the valve at an open position, a tiltable chemical-agentcarrying frame, a float-ball adapted, when the system of piping is opened up by the heat generated from a fire, and the air-pressure on the water tl'iereby relieved, to be raised by the then inflowing wate and when so raised to act on the tiltable frame and dump the chemicals into the water, means, when the water is so charged with chemicals, for automatically closing the valve and thereby causing the pressure of the generated gas to force the chemically-ch arged water from the tank and through the outletpipe and into the system of piping and out of the discharge-openings of said piping, a main water-pi oe leading from a source of supply, and with which main pipe the inlet-pipe of the chemical-tank is connected, said main pipe extending to and connecting with the system of piping.

20. In a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an air-filled space above the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which Water is normally maintained at a certain level by the excess pressure thereabove, an

outlet-pipe leading from the tank, a system i of piping with which the outlet-pipe connects, heat-operated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge from the piping, a branch pipe leading from the outlet-pipe and extending through the side of the tank, a valve at the inner open end of said branch pipe, means for normally holding the valve at an open position, means, when a fire occurs, for chemically charging the water in the tank, means, when the water is so charged, for automatically closing the valve and thereby causing the pressure of the generated gas to force the chemically-charged water from the tank and through the outletpipe thereof and into the system of piping, and out of the discharge-openings of said piping, an auxiliary tank, means for admit ting a column of water therein and a pressure agent above the column of water, a pipe connecting the auxiliary tank with the chemical-tank, a main water-pipe leading from a source of supply, and with which main pipe the inlet-pipe of the chemical-tank is connected, said main pipe extending to and connected with the system of piping.

21. In a sprinkler system, the combination of a chemical-tank having a column of water therein and an air-filled space above the water, an inlet-pipe leading into the tank for conducting the water into said tank, which water is normally maintained at a certain level by the excess pressure thereabove, a water-gage on the tank indicating the level of water therein, an outlet-pipe leading from the tank, a system of piping with which the outlet-pipe connects, heat-operated means for causing the piping to open up and thereby permit the extinguishing agent to sprinkle and discharge from the piping, a branch pipe leading from the outlet-pipe and extending through the side of the tank, a valve at the inner open end of said branch pipe, means for normally holding the valve in an open position, means, when a fire occurs, for chemically charging the water in a tank, means, when the water is so charged, for automatically closing the valve and thereby causing the pressure of the generated gas to force the chemically-charged water from the tank and through the outlet-pipe thereof and into the system of piping, and out of the dischargeopenings of said piping, a pressure-indicator communicating with the tank, a safety-valve leading from the tank, an auxiliary tank, means for admitting a column of water therein and a pressure agent above the column of water, a water-gage on the auxiliar tank, a pressure-gage on the auxiliary ta a pipe connecting the auxiliary tank with the chemical-tank, a main water-pipe leading from a source of supply, and with which main pipe the inletpipe of the chemical-tank is connected, said main pipe extending to and connected with the system of piping.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

STEPHEN O. RADFORD.

Witnesses E. R. WILLIAMS, ToM SPALDING. 

